In the wake of a long and bloody campaign to drive out Islamic State, Iraq may now be looking at its greatest opportunity for recovery since the US-led invasion nearly 15 years ago. Natasha Turak reports.

Investors lured by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s supplies of cobalt – an essential component of rechargeable batteries – must contend with political instability and a dangerously unregulated business environment, as Natasha Turak discovers.

Brian Gallant, the premier of New Brunswick in Canada, has learned first-hand that his relatively small province can react faster to industry trends than its larger, more populous neighbours. He speaks to Natasha Turak.

Faisal Al Haimus, chairman of the Trade Bank of Iraq, the country's largest bank and the government’s primary vehicle for imports and trade, talks to Natasha Turak about the war-torn state's rebirth and moving away from a cash-based economy.

Craig Smith, Marriott International managing director for Asia-Pacific, explains to Natasha Turak how the hotel chain is using local expertise – such as a link up with Alibaba – to make the most of the Chinese middle class's love of travel.

Lea Gimenez, Paraguay’s finance minister, talks to Natasha Turak about how the country has escaped the economic woes of its Latin American neighbours through a combination of economic diversity and improved transparency.

The construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal at Klaipeda has enabled Lithuania to broaden its energy sources where once it had to rely on Russia. The resultant cut in costs has boosted the economy and benefited investors in the local free trade zone. Natasha Turak reports.

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